Hello Fellow Trainboarders, I am new to Trainboard. I am also new to N scale, having previously modeled in HO, which other N scalers now tell me means "Horribly Oversized." I look forward to learning much from the Board, and also hopefully contributing what I can. So far I have learned that Kato diesels are WONDERFUL, and that Kato's Unitrack, though expensive and relatively inflexible, functions FLAWLESSLY. I have also learned that the smaller the scale, the more critical the trackwork, and that I should get used to wearing magnifying goggles when working on detail areas. I am still planning my new N scale layout, but have been practicing on an 8' wide, by 30" deep, modular T-Trak Steel Mill layout I recently bought from a gentleman in California. From my last HO layout, I have learned that what seems to work best for me is an around-the-room shelf layout with reversing loops at each end, at between 45" and 50" above finished floor grade, walk-around throttle control, all turnouts manually operated to reduce wiring, and a conveniently located staging yard. I am toying with using rigid foam insulation for a base, but am still quite leery of its stability. I previously had very good results with homasote on plywood. Best wishes to all.
